Takahiwai came within an inch of rolling Fideliter 1 during their Whangarei Netball Premier Grade clash at Kamo High School.
With only one week remaining in the championship round, Takahiwai have formed a cohesive unit who nearly toppled last year's runners-up, narrowly losing 39-38.
While they still sit second-to-last on the table,
coach Deborah Harding is impressed with how well her team have jelled to produce quality netball.
"It's a late fighting streak from us," she said.
Last week, determined Takahiwai drew with Manawanui 47-47.
"We're really finding our feet now and right from the word go I have said this grade is about the survival of the fittest, and it seems we are getting past it, as is every team."
At the end of the first quarter of Friday's game, Takahiwai were down three points and then got a bit of a "hammering" after some of their changes did not work in the second quarter, Harding said.
Changes made in the third stanza were the turning point for Takahiwai. Ramari Pirihi came on at goal shoot and helped close the gap, Harding said.
"She is easier to get the ball in to as she has a better hold," she said.
Unfortunately, Takahiwai's momentum was disrupted when goal attack Francida Doak injured her calf in the fourth quarter and was replaced by Anita May.
They were unable to get past Fideliter but claimed a bonus point for the close game.
Harding praised the girls' defensive efforts and impressive shooting, up against a tough Fideliter team.
Also at Kamo High, Marist 1 clashed with Whangarei Girls' High School.
Marist 1's experience shone through however, defeating the school girls 58-37.
Marist moved up to first equal with Marist Combined following their win, along with points from their match last week with Whangarei Old Boys.
Old Boys won last week against Old Girls but used a player from Carlton Netball Club in Auckland, not allowed in the Whangarei competition. As a result, Old Boys lost their points and they were instead awarded to Marist 1.
Meanwhile, at Kensington Stadium on Friday, Marist Combined thumped Old Boys 71-30, keeping their shared top spot, while Manawanui defeated Fideliter Development 52-46.
Teams have one round to play on Friday and Saturday before semifinals on August 21.
Whangarei Netball Championship round points: Marist Combined 18; Marist 1 18; Fideliter 1; Whangarei Girls' High School 10; Whangarei Old Boys 10; Manawanui 7; Takahiwai 6; Fideliter Development 1.
